Pot-charging mechanism



W. C. REDFIELD v Po'r GHARGING wmcmmfsnl Filed Jan. 30, 1923 Patented Dec. 23, 1924.

UNITED STATES WILLIAM C. REDFIELD, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

POT-CHARGING MECHANISM.

Application led January 30, 1923. Serial No. 615,811.

T0 all al1/10m vf may concern.'

.Be it known that I, VILLIAM C. REDFIELD, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements iii Pot-Charging Mechanisms, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to that class of pot feeding mechanisms for linotype casting machines and the like, in which an ingot of metal is contained in an upright holding chute, with the automatic lowering of the ingot intov the melting pot controlled by a iioat resting on the surface of the molten metal in said pot. The present improvenient has for its various objects:

To provide a simple and substantial formation and combination of parts and mechanisms, whereby the feeding of a metal ingot into the melting pot is automatically attained and controlled in an effective and positive manner.

To provide in connection with the automatic mechanism by which the lowering of the metal ingot into the melting pot is controlled, a safety means, which when said automatic mechanism becomes inoperative due to accident thereto, will yield under the stress of the operating mechanism of the melting pot, to permit the normal operation of the apparatus witho-ut breakage or damagev in said automatic ingot control mechanism. i

To provide means eoactng with said ingot control mechanism, whereby an alarm is set up when the holding chute of the metal `ingot is iii an empty condition, all as will hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. l, is a side elevation of a pot feeding mechanism embodying the present invention, in place upon the melting pot of a linotype machine, with the upper portion of the pot in section and with the two positions of the mechanisms shown in full and in dotted lines.

Fig. 2, is a detail side elevation of the controlling means of the catch pawl of the mechanism, in the dormant and active positions of said paul associated parts,

Fig. 3, is a fragmentary section of the lower end of the ingot chute, illustrating` :in adjustable ingot stop associated with the lower end of the chute.

Fig. 4, is a detail transverse section on line L -LL. Fig. 1.

Figs. 5 and 6, are companion detail tra-ns. verse sections, showing the operating finger of the alarm mechanism in its two positions.

Fig. 7, is a detail vertical section on line 7.-7. Fig. 4, of the latch mechanism for securing the base of the ingot chute to the open top wall of the melting pot.

Like reference numerals indicate like parts in the several views. Referring to the drawings 1, designates the metal melting pot of an ordinary Mergentlialer linotype machine or the like, provided with the usual delivery throat or spout and enclosing the usual pump by which the molten metal is forced through said throat into the molds of the machine. The pot 1 is arranged to have limited reciprocation in a horizontal plane to bring the outlet end of said throat in close relation to said molds, in one step in the operation of the machine, and to move said outlet end away from the molds in another step of the machine operation, as usual in the type of machines above mentioned.

2, designates an upright chute adapted to contain ingots of type metal above the pot l ready to be fed downwardly into said pot. The chute 2 is provided with a base plate 3 forming a closure for the open top wall of the melting pot 1 and is provided with a marginal supporting flange 4 adapted to rest upon the margin of the pot opening` such base being provided with a latch mechanism hereinafter described in detail, for securing the chute 2 and hase 3 in proper operative position.

l In the preferred construction shown, the chute 2 has a skirt or extension 2 open ai one side, and extending down into adjacent relation to the normal level of the inolter metal in the pot 1, with saidopen side permitting the proper operation ofthe vingo control device hereinafter described.

5, designates a vertically arranged plat( formed as a @stun the Chute' 2 at it:

` inid-height, and adapted to provide a supzontally, and fixedly attached at one end to*- a portion 7 of the supporting frame of the machine, so as to have a stationary relation to the chute 2 and the automatic mechanism mounted thereon` in the reciprocation there.-

'of, along with the melting pot 1 of the ina- "chine At' its mid-length the bar 6 has guiding engagement 'in guide lugs S lon the plate 5 aforesaid, and between said lugs the bar 6 is formed with upper and lower detents or teeth 9 and 1() for purposes hereinafter stated. -"--'Iii^the preferred 'construction shown in fFigflfthe'operating-bar 6l is formed in tivo 'fali'giied sections or members connected to- 'g'etlier byv a pivot pin 11, so as to afford flexibility tothe bar' in a vertical ino-vement of the part o-f the same whicliis movable with the melting poty in relation to the Partl whicliis attached to the stationarysup- 5 pivotal formation of the bar 6 is that the section remote' from the guide lugs'S may be porting frames. Another purpose of s'aid lfolded ycompactly against the chute 2 for vlconvenience in shipment and storage of the A Ol mechanism when not in use.' The remote section of the ope 'ating bar 6 will have a idetail construction as follows:

i12, designates a lateral lug on the outer eii'dof the remote section adapted in an assembled condition of the mechanisi'n to have bearing abutment against the aforesaid sta- 'tionarjv portion 7 of the machine frame. ln addition the lateral lug 12 is formed with a guide eye for an attaching rod and an' abutment for a spring associated with said rod and having the following detail arrangement.

13, designates a rod moving in the guide eye ofthe lug 12 and havingr a hook 1t at one end adapted to hook around the aforesaid frame portion 7, at the side opposite to that Wit-h which the lug 12 has resting abutment.

' 15, designates a loop or lateral extension on the rod 13 adjacent to the hook 14 for *convenient manual operation of the parts the frame portion 'r aforesaid.

16, designates a compression spring associated Withv the rod 13.. one end of the in applying and removing the rod 12% from -ispring has bearing against the aforesaid lug' 12` While the other end has bearing against a fixed collar 18 on said rod 13, With a normal tendency to draw the hook 14 of paivl 19 when a metal in the pot 1 prevails, thus aiding ai' said rod into holding engagement with the l frame part 7. Another and material feature of the described arrangement is that the spring 16 will yield and permit amovement of the chute 2 and its-asspciated vparts upon the bar 6, in the normal reciprocation' o-f said chute, when from any accidental cause the automatic ingo-t control mechanism becomes clogged up and inoperative, thus avoiding breakage of parts in such mechanism.

17 designates a handled rocker plate, preferably of a' triangular shape, pivo-ted near its apex on a pivot pin 18 on the supporting plate 5l aforesaid.

l19 designates a paWl pivoted to a lower end of the'rocker plate 17, With its free en'd adapted for engagement with the aforesaid upper detent or tooth9 of the operating bar '6, so that in a horizontal movement fof the chutel carrying the rocker plate17, the paivl 19 will be held stationary and impart "a rocking ino-tioii tesa-id rocker plate:V v The yautomatic engagement and disengagement of kthe paWl '19' with the foperatingbar 6 is tion by the pawl 19 andvbar 6 'above described. Said Spring also acts to 'force lthe gripping yoke, hereinafter described into holding engagement with the metal ingot 3() in the chute 2.

21, designates a oat of any usual construction, resting on ,the surface of tho molten metal in the pot 1, and having a vertical stem 22 moving in guide ears 23 on the su1'iportingplate 5 aforesaid.

24, ldesignates a lifting lug, of a length greater than the horizontal stroke of the chute 2 and associated parts, and preferabl \v of an inclined sha-pe in cross section, secured to the float stein 22, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 and adapted to have lifting engagement beneath a lateral hook shaped lug 25 on the rear face of the pawl 19 to hold said pawl in its raised and unengaged position with a normal'level of the molten metal in the melting pot 1. The described formation of the lugs QA- and 25 is adapted tc prevent any tendency to late-ral disengagement between the same in actual use'.

26, designates a fixed collar on the tloal stem 22, adapted to impose the Weight ol the float 21 upon the upper face o-f th( lowered level of themoltei operative engagement between the pa'w'l 1S and operating bar 6.

27, designates a gripping yol;e,;attachef at one end to the aforesaid depending chum portion 2 by a pivot pin 28, and extend ing in an oblique direction across said chute portion, with its edge 29 adapted for holding engagement with a metal ingot 30 in the chute 2 to normally hold said ingot from downward movement through said chute into the melting pot 1, as usual in the present class of mechanisms.

31. designates a connecting rod extendingfrom the yoke 27 to the lower end of the rocker plate 17, opposite to the attachment of the pawl 19, and adapted in the rocking movement of said plate above described, to move the yoke 27 out of holding engagement with the metal ingo-t 30 and permit a descent of said ingot into the melting pot 1. In such descent of the metal ingot 30, the same may move down until stopped b v the bottom of the melting pot 1. There a. less degree of descent is desired, provision as follows is made,

32, designates a stop stirrup attached in a vertically adjustable manner to the chute portion 2 and provided with a lower lateral ledge 33 forming a stop or abutment for the lower end of the metal ingot 30.

34, designates an alarm bell carried on a side of the chute 2, and having an operating arm 35 provided with'operative connections as follows.

36," designates a horizontally arranged catch bar, pivotally secured at oneend to the bell arm 35 and formed at its other end with ya hook 37 adapted foroperative engagement with the lower detent or tooth 10 of the operating bar 6 aforesaid.

38, designates a hollow lateral shell formed on the supporting frame 5 and having guiding'engagement withA the mid-length of the lcatch bar 36.l In 'addition the shell38 provides support forthe operating lever now to be described.

' 39, designates a lever of an angular form having an upper short arm 39 pivoted at one end in the shell 38, with itsmid-length in supporting engagement beneath the. catch bar 36 as shownin Figs.A 1, 5 and 6, so that in its movements it will lift and lower the hook 37 of the catch bar 36. into andout of engagement with the operating bar 6 aforesaid. .The other and long arm of the lever 39 extends downwardly and has movement in a' ertic'al slot in a side wall of the chute 2. Y lVith a metal ingot 30 yin said chute, the long arm of the lever, 39 is held' out of the chuteas shown i'nZFig. 5, while' in the absence of a metal ingot'from the chute, said long arm of the 1ever39, under the influence of a spring 40, moves into the interior of the Vchute and effects a lifting of' the-catch bar 3 6 into operative engage* ment with the operating bar 6 to sound an 'alarm upon each normal reciprocation of the associated'melting pot andl chute.

41, designatesv a screw bushing or nut fit- 'tmg-an' Qrfe the marginal Perrier ef the chute base 3 and held in place by a holding screw 42 screwed into said base with its headed portion engaging over a bearing flange 43 of the bushing, as shown in Fig. 7.

44, designates a screw threaded spindle '570 having operative engagement in the screw threaded bore of the bushing 42, with its upper portion formed into a handled stem for manual rotation. The lower end of the spindle 44 carries a lateral lug 46 thcl'f top surface of which is formed with an inclined or cam end 47 adapted to ride beneath the margin of the top wall of the melting pot l, to effect a firm and substantial attachment of the chute base 3 to the pot top, with i8( a manual rotation of the spindle 44.

By a preliminary turning of the bushing 41, with the spindle 44 held stationary, an initial adjustment of said spindle can be effected, to suit different thickness in the top walls of melting pots with which connection is to be made.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows:

With the apparatus in practical use, the191 melting pot 1, with the main portion of the mechanism of the present' improvement mounted thereon, has the usual reciprocating movement in a horizontal plane, with-tha exception of the operating bar'6, which ism detent 9 of the operating b'ar61` 'Witlr saidL'a lowered condition of the pawl"'19 v and on each reciprocation of the melting pot 1, the rocker plate 17 (reciprocating with the melting pot) receives a positive rocking movement, and 1n' turn transmits the samel tot" the gripping yoke 27 by which a metal ingot is normally held from downward movement into the melting potftoattain 'a release movement of said yokefrom'the ingot so thatv it' may descend into thefmelting pot. The descent of the ingot. raise's'the level of the moltenmetal in the pot '1,I'lwith a corresponding rise of theffioat'21yand a lifting of the pawl 19 into, the normal inoperative 'position above described.'I Vith the present feeding mechanism`y the descent ofthe ingot is of a retarded or step by step nature, and ordin'arily `will require'aplurality of rockingimpulses of the parts in attaining the required descent of the ingot in a gradual manner, with an avoidance of a too rapid or plunging descent of the ingot.

ljVith an empty'condi't-i'on o fithe feeding chute" 2, the angle lever-"39 vmoves into the interior of said chute; andlin Se dQhgFaSeS' il i3 0 ingot is introduced into the-chute 2, to effect a return of the' angle lever 39 to its normal position. i

Having thus fully vdescribed my invention what I'claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent,is:- i

l. In a charging. mechanism for reciprocatingmelting pots, the combination of an upright ingot chute mounted on the pot, a horizontalfoperatingbar adapted for attachment to ,a1 fixed part .of thepot supporting frame and having guide engagement Iwith said chute,l an ingotengaging yoke pivoted at the lower end of said chute, a rocker vplate f pivotally mounted [on said chute, and operatively connected t-oV said yoke, a pawl pivoted on the rocker plate and adapted for engagement Witha tooth on H l i affordingi flexibility .Ling ftliela relative vertical said operating bar, a float arrangedin the melting pot, and having a vertical stem the upper end of which is adapted to-engagef and swing said pawl into l'and out of the path of the tooth of the operating bar.

-2.xIn a charging mechanism for reciprocating melting pots, the combination of:

an upright ingot chute mounted on said pot` a horizontal operating'bar comprising two-l spring connected sections,ada ted for holding engagement with a fixe part of the pot supporting4 frame and having guide engagement with said chute, an ingot engaging yoke pivoted at the-lower end of said chute, a rocker plate pivotally mounted on said chute and operatively connected to said yoke, a pawl pivoted on the rocker plate and adapted for engagement with a tooth on said operating bar, a float arranged in the melting pot and having a vertical stem the upper end of which is adapted to engage and swing said pawl into and out of the path of the tooth of the operating bar.

3. In a charging mechanism for recip-l rocating melting pxots, the combination of an upright ingot c ute mounted onthe pot, a horizontal operating bar adapted for attachment to a fixed part of the pot supporting frame and having guide engagement with said chute, an ingot engaging yoke pivoted at the lower end of said chute, a;

rocker plate pivotally mounted on said chute and operatively connected to said yoke, a4

pawl pivoted on the rocker plate and adapted for engagement with a tooth on said operating bar, a float arranged in the melting pot and having a vertical stem the upper end of which is adapted to engage and swing said pawl into and out of the path of the tooth of the operating bar, said operating bar comprising two' spring connected sections one-of which has a hook end for enygagen'ient with a fixed part of the pot supporting frame and the-other portion having a lateral lug adapted' Vtobear against ,an opposite side of 'said fixed. part of the pot supporting ramef v y 4. In a charging mechanism for reciprocating melting pots, the .combination of an upright ingot chute mounted on the pot,

a horizontal operating bar adapted for attachment'A to affixed part'of the pot supporting frame and having guide engagement with said chute, an ingot lengaging yoke pivoted at the lower vend of said chute, a rockerplate pivotally mounted on said chute, l and j operatively; connected to vsaid yoke, a pawl pivoted on the lrocker plate and adapted for engagementwitha tooth on said operatingbar, a-,float arranged in the 'melting pot and having aivertic'al stem'- the upper end ofwliich'isffadapted to engage andswingsaidi pawlintoand out of the path of= the tooth I of the `operating bar, said operating barr having Y ia, hinged formation movement betweenthegmel-ting pot and its .l 'cH-,"yf" ,5. In -aiyjcharging piechamsm for irecipa supporting,plateforming-a fixed part of' said .chute and., providedgwith guide ears,

.ag horizontalj .operating bar having. .guiding engagement in Esaid' earsjand .adapted-.for

.fixed attachment to, a partof the potsupporting frame, an ingot engaging yoke pivoted atjtlie lower end of said chute` a rocker plate of atriangiilar form pivoted on said supporting plate, a connecting rod between said rocker plate and yoke, a pawl pivoted on said rocker plate'and adapted for engagement with a tooth on said operating bar, .a float arranged in the melting` pot and having avertical stem the upper end of whichvis adapted to engagev and swing said pawl into and out ofthe path of the tooth of the operating barn i 6. In a. charging. mechanism for reciprocatingmelting pots, thecombination of an upright ingot chute: carried by said pot.

4a supporting plate forminga fixed part of said chutev and provided with guide ears, a horizontaloperating bar having guiding engagement .in said ears and adapted for fixed attachment to a partof the pot supportingfraine, an ingot engaging yoke pivoted at the lowerend of said chute, a rocker plate of a triangular form pivoted on said supporting plate, a vconnecting rod between said rocker plate and yoke, a pawl `pivoted on .said rocker plate and adapted for engagement with aptooth on said operating bar, saidpawl .havingaflateral lug, a float arranged in thenmeltingpot and lhaving a 4vertical stem moving in guides on the aforesaid supporting plate,.and an Ioperating lug on said stem adapted for lifting engagement with said-lateral lug of the pawl.- 7.- In a charging mechanism for reciprocating melting-pots, the combination of an upright ingot chute carried -by said pot, a supporting plate forming a fixed part of said chute7 andprovidedwith guide ears, a horizontal operating bar having guiding engagement in said ears and adapted for fixed at tachn'ient to a part of the pot supporting frame, an ingot engagingyoke pivoted at the lower end of said chute, a rocker plate.

of a triangular form pivoted on said supporting plate, a connecting rod between said rocker plate and yoke, a pawl pivoted on said rocker plate and adapted for engage ment with a tooth on said operating bar, said pawl having a lateral lug, a float arranged in the melting pot and having a vertical stem moving in guides on the Aaforesaid support ing plate and an operating lug on said stem adapted for lifting engagen'ient with said lateral pawl lug and having a bearing surface for said lug longer than the stroke of the meltingl pot.

S. In a charging mechanism for reciprocating melting pots, the combination of an upright ingot chute carried by said pot, a supporting plate forming a fixed part of said chute and provided with guide ears, a horizontal operating bar having guiding engagement in said ears and adapted for lixed attachment to a part of the pot supporting frame, an ingot engaging yoke pivoted at the lower end of said chute, a rocker plate, of a triangular form pivoted on said supporting plate, a connecting rod between said plate and yoke, a. pawl pivoted on said rocker plate and adapted for engagement with a tooth on said operating bar, said pawl carrying a hook shape lateral lug, a float arranged in the melting pot and having a vertical stem moving in guides on the supporting plate aforesaid, and an operating lug on said stem having a beveled upper surface adapted for lifting engagement with the aforesaid lug of the pawl.

9. In a charging mechanism for reciprocating melting pots, the combination of an upright ingot chute carried by said pot, a supporting plate forming a fixed part of said chute and provided with guide ears, a horizontal operating bar having guiding engagement in said ears and adapted for fixed attachment to a part of the pot supporting frame, an ingot engaging yoke pivoted at the lower end of said chute, a rocker plate of a triangular form pivoted on said support ing plate, a connecting rod between said rocker plate and yoke, a pawl pivoted on said rocker plate and adapted for engagement with a tooth on said operating bar, a float arranged in the melting pot and having a vertical stem the upper end of which is adapted to engage and swing said pawl into and out ofthe path of the tooth of -tlie lop'- erating` bar, and a spring tending to return the rocker plate to its normal position.

10. In a charging mechanism for reciprocating melting pots, the combinationof an upright ingot chute carried by said pot,- a supporting plate forming a fixed part of said chute and provided with guide ears, a horizontal operating bar having guiding engagement in said ears and adapted for fixed attachment to a part of the pot supporting frame,an ingot engaging yoke pivoted at the lower end of said chute, a rocker plate of a triangular form pivoted on saidl supporting plate, a connecting rod between said rocker plate and yoke, a pawl pivoted on said rocker plate and adapted for engagement with a tooth on said operating bar, said pawl having a lateral lug, a float arranged in the melting pot and having a vertical stem moving in guides on the aforesaid supporting plate, an operating lug on said stem adapted for lifting engagement beneath said lateral lug of the pawl, and a collar on said stem adapted to contact with the upper face of said pawl to aid in the movement of the same to an engaged position.

ll. In a charging mechanism for reciprocating melting pots, the combination of an upright ingot chute mounted on the pot, a horizontal operating bar adapted for attachment to a fixed part of the pot supporting frame and having guiding engagement with said chute, automatic means operatively connected with said operating bar for controlling the descent of a metal ingot in said chute, an alarm bell moving with said chute and provided with an operating arm, a catch bar pivoted to said arm and having a hook end adapted for engagement with a tooth on said operating bar, and an angle lever pivoted on said chute and having a short arm adapted for operative engagement with said catch bar and a long arm adapted for movement into and out of the interior of said chute.

l2. In a charging mechanism for reciprocating melting pots, the combination of an upright ingot chute mounted on the pot, a horizontal operating bar adapted for attachment to a fixed part of the pot supporting frame and having guiding engagement with said chute, automatic means operatively connected with said operating bar Afor controlling the descent of a metal ingot in said chute, an alarm bell moving with said chute and provided with an operating arm, a catch bar pivoted to said arm and having a hook end adapted for engagement with a tooth on said operating bar, an angle lever pivoted on said chute and having a short arm adapted for operative engagement with said catch bar and a long arm adapted for movement into and out of the interior of said chute, and resilient means tenCung to move the long arm of 'said lever into the interior of said chute.y

13. The combination of an open top melting pot, an upright ingot chute having a base plate for supporting engagement with the top of the pot, a screw threaded bushing mounted in an orifice in said chute base,

A a screw threaded spindle engaging the orice of said bushing and having at one end a handled operating stem and at the other end a lateral lug formed with an upper cam surface '14. The combination of an open top melting pot,- an upright ingot chute Vhaving a base plate for supporting; engagement with the top of the pot, a screw threaded bushing revolubly mounted in an orifice, in said chute base, a clamping screw adapted to hold said bushing from rotation, a screw threaded spindle engaging the vorifice of said bushing and having at one end a handled operating stem and at the other end a lateral lug formed with an upper cam surface.

Signed at. Chicago, Illinois)A this 29th day of January, 1923.

WILLIAM c. REDFIELD, 

